The Licensing Sub-Committee granted variations to Fulham Football Club's premises licences for the ground floor, second floor, and members' club areas of the Riverside Stand. These variations allow for regulated entertainment, including plays, films, indoor sporting events, live and recorded music, and dance performances, between 10:00 and 23:00 daily. The application for the first floor was withdrawn by the applicant.

Variation of Premises Licence for Fulham Football Ground

Fulham Football Club was granted variations to its premises licences for the ground floor, second floor, and the members' club on levels three, four, and five of the Riverside Stand. These variations permit the addition of plays, films, indoor sporting events, live music, recorded music, and dance performances. All licensable activities are to take place indoors and will be permitted between 10:00 and 23:00, Monday to Sunday.

The committee decided to grant the applications with several conditions:

• Event Cap: No more than 24 occasions per calendar year will be permitted where regulated entertainment is provided to more than 500 people across all licences. This cap includes football matches.
• Risk Assessment: A risk assessment plan must be submitted for each event involving more than 500 people where licensable activities will take place.
• Noise Limiting Device: A noise limiting device will be installed at the premises, to be set by a suitably qualified council officer.
• Noise Assessment Records: The licence holder must maintain written records of proactive external noise assessments.
• Resident Meetings: Designated Premises Supervisors (DPS) must take minutes of meetings with residents.
• Complaints Hotline: A telephone number for the premises must be displayed for members of the public to lodge complaints.

The application for the first floor of the Riverside Stand was withdrawn by Fulham Football Club. The applicant stated that they could not envisage a scenario where more than 500 people would be on that floor due to its layout and fixed seating, making the application unnecessary.

Background and Objections:

The applications received significant opposition from local residents, primarily concerning the potential for increased noise, public nuisance, crime, disorder, and traffic congestion. Objectors expressed concerns that the expanded licensable activities, particularly live music and events with large audiences, would negatively impact the predominantly residential character of the area, disrupt residents' peace, and potentially lead to anti-social behaviour. Specific worries were raised about noise from amplified music, patrons leaving venues late at night, litter, and the cumulative impact on the local environment and infrastructure, especially given the proximity to residential properties and Bishop's Park.

Fulham Football Club, represented by Craig Baylis of Baylis Associates, argued that the applications were primarily to regularise activities that might technically fall outside existing exemptions, particularly concerning events with over 500 attendees. They emphasised that the hours of operation would not be extended beyond those already permitted by planning conditions and existing licences. The club also highlighted the presence of a boutique hotel on-site as a natural restraint on noise, as hotel guests must not be disturbed. They noted that no responsible authorities had raised objections.

A noise survey report was submitted by the applicant, which indicated that noise levels during attended measurements were within acceptable limits. However, objectors questioned whether this represented a worst-case scenario and whether the noise mitigation measures were sufficient.

Decisions:

The committee granted the variations for the ground floor, second floor, and members' club areas, subject to the conditions outlined above. The application for the first floor was withdrawn. The committee considered all representations made by objectors and responsible authorities in reaching its decision.